Research Intern - Office of the Chief Economist

Research Internships at Microsoft provide a dynamic environment for research careers with a network of world-class research labs led by globally-recognized scientists and engineers, who pursue innovation in a range of scientific and technical disciplines to help solve complex challenges in diverse fields, including computing, healthcare, economics, and the environment.

Research Interns will work closely with the economists and data scientists in the Office of the Chief Economist on high-impact projects in a supportive research environment. Topic areas include market design, cloud marketplaces, search auctions, optimal pricing contracts, retail product competition, scalable demand estimation, structural demand estimation, machine learning for both prediction and causal inference, optimal capacity investment, and other applied theory. Research Interns should drive their own agenda as well as work with their mentor and the broader team. The goal is to get a draft version of an economics paper finished by the end of the internship. Projects will also have insights for Microsoft business units.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in PhD program in Economics, Computer Science or a related STEM field.

Other Requirements

• Research Interns are expected to be physically located in their manager’s Microsoft worksite location for the duration of their internship.
• In addition to the qualifications below, you’ll need to submit a minimum of two reference letters for this position as well as a cover letter and any relevant work or research samples. After you submit your application, a request for letters may be sent to your list of references on your behalf. Note that reference letters cannot be requested until after you have submitted your application, and furthermore, that they might not be automatically requested for all candidates. You may wish to alert your letter writers in advance, so they will be ready to submit your letter. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to develop original research agenda.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other researchers and product development teams.
• Demonstrated interest in topics related to empirical IO, applied micro, market design, or applied econometrics.
• Experience with Python and/or R.

The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,550 - $12,880 per month. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $8,480 - $13,920 per month.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: 

Microsoft accepts applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis.

Research Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world’s best researchers, Research Interns learn, collaborate, and network for life. Research Interns not only advance their own careers, but they also contribute to exciting research and development strides. During the 12-week internship, Research Interns are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other Research Interns and researchers, present findings, and contribute to the vibrant life of the community. Research internships are available in all areas of research, and are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer.